Übersicht

Eggert Lab – Systems medicine for neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma (NB), a common childhood tumor derived from the sympathetic nervous system and characterized by high mortality rates, is a genetically well-characterized model for systems-based identification of somatic abnormalities and key deranged signaling pathways occurring in individual tumors. In light of the plethora of existing molecular datasets, NB is ideally suited to serve as a model for the successful application of more sophisticated systems medicine approaches based on integrating existing molecular and medical knowledge, and aiming for precise prediction of disease course and mechanistically well-informed smart treatment choices.
We employ innovative data management strategies and systems biology modeling with its holistic approach to unravel complex interactions in networks controlling biological functions. Our approach applies systems medicine concepts to a solid base of high-throughput molecular profiling data from primary NBs and preclinical testing models generated by partners and us and gathered in Germany and European research consortia for > 10 years.
Our research activities converge towards identifying mechanistically understood network vulnerabilities in highly aggressive NBs as a common goal, and focusing on those interacting with the key major player, MYCN, that can be exploited for new diagnostic and treatment approaches. By elucidating such core mechanisms we plan to develop new therapeutic options for NB based on improved understanding of its pathogenesis and to define a rational modeling approach to deal with the pathogenic complexity in adult cancers that are influenced by the same core mechanisms.